Egypt Daily News – Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass delivered the opening speech at a workshop organized by the International Association of Egyptologists on the topic of the pyramids. In his speech, he reflected on his long history studying the pyramids, beginning with his time as Director of the Giza Pyramids Plateau, and continuing through his excavations in Saqqara in search of the pyramid of King Huni.
In his remarks, Hawass emphasized that both the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx are built on solid limestone bedrock, firmly stating that there is no truth to claims of deep columns or hidden chambers beneath the Pyramid of King Khafre.
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, also gave a lecture about the architecture of the Fifth Dynasty pyramids, focusing on his excavations at the pyramid of Sahure in Abusir. He explained that the pyramids were built according to clear and precise plans, and stressed that any study must be based on scientific evidence rather than unfounded theories.
Dr. Tarek Said Tawfik, President of the International Association of Egyptologists, noted that the workshop, which was attended by over a hundred Egyptologists and specialists from around the world—both in person and online—highlighted the latest discoveries and research in pyramid studies. These findings shed light on the logistical brilliance of the ancient Egyptians, particularly in the construction of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, as evidenced by the Wadi al-Jarf papyri discovered at the Red Sea and presented during the workshop by Dr. Pierre Tallet, Director of the French Institute for Oriental Archaeology in Cairo.
Dr. Miroslav Bárta and Dr. Mohamed Megahed from Charles University in the Czech Republic also presented their research on the architecture of the pyramids of kings and queens in Abusir.
Dr. Tawfik praised the lecture by Dr. Yasser El-Shayeb, a professor at Cairo University’s Faculty of Engineering, who discussed the use of radar, laser, and cosmic ray technology in attempts to detect voids inside the pyramids. Dr. El-Shayeb explained that while satellite-based radar is effective for studying surface topography, it cannot accurately detect what lies deep underground—reaffirming that there are no columns or chambers beneath the Pyramid of Khafre.
Dr. Tawfik also gave a lecture on the pyramids built by high-ranking officials during the Ramesside period, when this elite class was, for the first time, allowed to use the pyramid form. Excavations of these small, above-ground pyramids show a continuation of ancient Egyptian pyramid architecture and confirm the absence of any underground columns or voids. There was no evidence, he stated, to suggest that these pyramids served as sources of energy or anything of that nature. Rather, they were tied to the ancient Egyptian concepts of sun worship, resurrection, and eternal life.
